Deputy Press Secretary

We are seeking a Deputy Press Secretary for the Port Authority’s Office of Media Relations. The role supports the agency’s efforts to provide timely and accurate responses to members of the media requesting information on the agency’s broad infrastructure programs and facilities, as well as to proactively tell the stories and share the successes of the agency’s multi-pronged approaches to accomplishing its century-old foundational mission to keep the bistate region moving. 

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Media Relations, the Deputy Press Secretary is a newly created position serving as a mid-level senior member of the Media Relations team. The Deputy Press Secretary will be tasked with acting as an agency spokesperson to high-profile national and international media outlets, keen developer of media strategies, and lead organizer of media events such as public rollouts, news conferences or speaking engagements for agency leadership.  

The primary focus of the role is to respond to high-profile media inquiries, comfortably pitch stories to journalists, proactively anticipate media requests and needs, and to coordinate with agency staff to best articulate the agency’s position on issues vital to the region’s vast transportation network and economic growth. The work will also include drafting and editing a variety of written materials, including event briefing documents, public statements, releases/advisories, or social media or website content; monitoring social media on a variety of breaking news situations as they pertain to the agency and its facilities or projects; and coordinating public-facing statements or responses with the agency’s Marketing, Social Media and intergovernmental relations staff.  

Additional responsibilities may include providing guidance and support to agency department staff on various projects such as messaging strategies, planning and coordination for rollouts; development and review of external-facing materials such as presentations/public reports/website copy/signage copy; securing speaking opportunities for executive leadership and other external communications needs as requested.   

Candidates must be able to work and multi-task effectively in a high-stress environment under tight deadline. While the candidate should be a self-starter, they are part of the larger Media Relations team and must be able to coordinate with other staff members at various levels, including mentoring or supporting junior staff. Candidates may also be asked to assist with administrative team responsibilities when coverage is needed.  

As part of the Media Relations team, you will work in a fast-paced environment, where breaking news events dictate daily priorities. Flexibility is necessary, as on-call, evening and weekend work may be needed. The position is located at 4 World Trade Center in Manhattan. 

Qualifications 

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered for this position:  

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, political science, communications, English literature, or a related field. 
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a fast-paced newsroom or public relations environment OR serving as a spokesperson for an elected official or public entity OR a senior communications aide/press liaison role at a communications firm or agency OR a combination of at least five (5) years of the aforementioned. 
• Superior written and oral communication skills with demonstrated experience in preparing and delivering presentation materials to senior staff, and ability to distill complex ideas or technical jargon/policy into engaging written material for a wide audience. 
• Ability to manage the tactical execution of the communications strategy and problem-solving day-to-day emergencies while navigating in a complex agency, whether in the public or private sector. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with both print and broadcast reporters and articulate complex issues to media or the public. 
• Excellent instincts and ability to balance multiple priorities while meeting deadlines. 
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and research skills. 
• Proven relationships with local, national or international media.  
• Excellent understanding of the current media landscape and deep knowledge of U.S. journalism standards and ethics.  
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, manage time effectively and work independently. Must demonstrate excellent judgment, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. 
• Proven ability to mentor junior staff. 
• Excellent reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing and editing skills. 
• Strong interest in transit, infrastructure, transportation and urban planning issues and policies.  

Desired 

Ideal candidate profiles include:

• Understands the rapidly changing media ecosystem we are in, bringing experience in creative storytelling that is also appealing for platforms outside of mainstream media and can identify and execute on narratives in formats that are appealing for a social-first audience.
• Experience in public-facing storytelling, speechwriting, executive communications, and event planning.
• Technically proficient, with specific experience using cloud-based servers, transcription services, the Microsoft Office suite of programs such as Teams, SharePoint, Excel and PowerPoint, and Adobe software. Some HTML knowledge is useful.
• Familiarity or working knowledge of technology such as Canva and ChatGPT and of platforms such as Substack and LinkedIn.
• Ability to draft compelling multi-format content for a variety of social media platforms.  
• Working knowledge of AP style. 
• A news junkie with political acumen who is aware of the political landscape in which the agency operates. 
• Effective teamwork and communications skills to work closely with agency operations staff outside of the communications team to develop appropriate responses, edit public-facing materials and align on key agency messaging.  
• Master’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or political science.  

Compensation & Benefits 

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive salary, an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. 

How to Apply 

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive salary, an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.